Charleston, W.Va. - Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant presented the West Virginia National Guard the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award in recognition of their tremendous efforts during Superstorm Sandy 2012.

Accepting the award on behalf of the National Guard was Brig. Gen. David Buckalew.

During the storm, the National Guard assisted election officials by providing and maintaining DRASH (Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter) tents to serve as temporary emergency polling places. The National Guard also provided heat and electricity to the tents, ensuring that citizens had the opportunity to vote despite the weather.

This marked the first time Secretary Tennant presented the prestigious Medallion Award, which was created to honor individuals, groups or organizations with an established record of promoting the goals of NASS in one or more of the following areas:

- Elections, with special emphasis on voter education and participation;
- Civic education, including the teaching, promotion and study of this subject;
- Service to state government, specifically as it relates to the duties of the office of the Secretary of State;
- A commitment to giving – a business or individual whose philanthropic contributions have significantly enhanced the quality of life in a local or regional area within a state, or within an entire state.